Resistance breathing device

ABSTRACT

A resistance breathing device includes a face mask having a perimeter and an aperture extending therethrough, and being adapted to overlay a user&#39;s mouth and nose such that the perimeter forms an air-tight seal with the user&#39;s face. An overlaying outer layer has a pair of straps for affixing the face mask about the user&#39;s face. An adjustment slide is positioned adjacent the face mask, has an inlet aperture extending therethrough, and is movable between a first position in which a first portion of the inlet aperture overlaps the inlet aperture of the face mask and a second position in which a larger second portion of the inlet aperture overlaps the inlet aperture of the face mask. An adjustment wheel is attached to the face mask and is movable rotatably between first and second positions to cause the adjustment slide to move between its first and second positions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of commonly owned, co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/297,911, titled “RESISTANCE BREATHINGDEVICE,” having a filing date of Oct. 19, 2016, which is a Section111(a) application relating to and claiming the benefit of commonlyowned, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/385,546, titled“RESISTANCE BREATHING DEVICE,” having a filing date of Sep. 9, 2016, thecontents of both of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wearable breathing devices. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to wearable breathingdevices providing resistance to air inhalation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Individuals who are training for physical fitness or athleticcompetition may wish to improve the efficiency of their cardiovascularsystems for improved health and stamina. More particularly, individualsmay wish to condition their cardiovascular systems by performingtraining or exercise activities while restricting their ability toinhale air and oxygen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, a resistance breathing device includes a face mask, anouter layer, an adjustment slide, and an adjustment wheel, the face maskhaving an interior surface, an exterior surface opposite the interiorsurface, at least one inlet aperture extending through the face maskfrom the exterior surface to the interior surface, and a perimeter,wherein the face mask is adapted to overlay a user's mouth and nose suchthat the perimeter forms an air-tight seal with the user's face andaround the user's mouth and nose and the face mask defines an internalarea between the interior surface of the face mask and the user's face,the outer layer overlaying the face mask and having a pair of strapswith inter-engaging ends for affixing the face mask about the user'sface, the adjustment slide including at least one inlet apertureextending therethrough, the adjustment slide being movably positionedadjacent to the face mask, the adjustment slide being movable linearlyalong a linear axis with respect to the face mask between a firstposition and a second position, wherein when the adjustment slide is inits first position, a first portion of the at least one inlet apertureof the adjustment slide overlays a first portion of the at least oneinlet aperture of the face mask, and wherein when the adjustment slideis in its second position, a second portion of the at least one inletaperture of the adjustment slide overlays a second portion of the atleast one inlet aperture of the face mask, the second portion of the atleast one inlet aperture of the adjustment slide being larger in sizethan the first portion of the at least one inlet aperture of theadjustment slide, the adjustment wheel attached movably to the face masksuch that the adjustment wheel is movable rotatably between a firstposition and a second position, the first position of the adjustmentwheel corresponding to the first position of the adjustment slide, thesecond position of the adjustment wheel corresponding to the secondposition of the adjustment slide, whereby when the adjustment wheel ismoved between its the first position and its second position, theadjustment slide is moved between its first position and its secondposition.

In an embodiment, the adjustment slide includes a first plurality ofteeth, the adjustment wheel includes a second plurality of teeth, andthe adjustment slide and the adjustment wheel are positioned adjacentone another such that the first plurality of teeth of the adjustmentslide mesh with the second plurality of teeth of the adjustment wheel.In an embodiment, the adjustment wheel rotates about a rotational axisto move between its first position and its second position, therotational axis being perpendicular to the linear axis.

In an embodiment, the resistance breathing device also includes aretainer having at least one inlet aperture, the retainer overlaying theadjustment slide so as to maintain the adjustment slide in its positionadjacent the face mask and such that the at least one inlet aperture ofthe retainer overlays the at least one inlet aperture of the face mask.In an embodiment, the adjustment slide includes a plurality of groovesformed in the exterior surface of the adjustment slide and spaced alongthe linear axis, the retainer includes a ridge projecting from theinterior surface of the retainer, the ridge of the retainer ispositioned within a first one of the plurality of grooves of theadjustment slide when the adjustment slide is in its first position, andthe ridge of the retainer is positioned within a second one of theplurality of grooves of the adjustment slide when the adjustment slideis in its second position. In an embodiment, the ridge of the retaineris positioned adjacent to the at least one inlet aperture of theretainer. In an embodiment, the ridge of the retainer and the pluralityof grooves of the adjustment slide are sized and shaped such that whenthe ridge is positioned within one of the plurality of grooves, theridge and the one of the plurality of grooves cooperate to resistmovement of the adjustment slide along the linear axis. In anembodiment, the at least one inlet aperture of the retainer issubstantially rectangular in shape.

In an embodiment, the at least one inlet aperture of the adjustmentslide is substantially rectangular in shape. In an embodiment, the atleast one inlet aperture of the adjustment slide has rounded corners. Inan embodiment, the at least one inlet aperture of the face mask issubstantially rectangular in shape. In an embodiment, a size of the atleast one inlet aperture of the adjustment slide is equal to a size ofthe at least one inlet aperture of the face mask. In an embodiment, theat least one inlet aperture of the face mask is right trapezoidal inshape. In an embodiment, the right trapezoidal shape includes roundedcorners. In an embodiment, the at least one inlet aperture of the facemask is smaller than the at least one inlet aperture of the adjustmentslide.

In an embodiment, the face mask includes a first lateral side, a secondlateral side opposite the first lateral side, a first side bracketextending from the exterior surface of the face mask proximate the firstlateral side, and a second side bracket extending from the exteriorsurface of the face mask proximate the second lateral side, the firstand second side brackets cooperating to define an allowable range oftravel of the adjustment slide along the linear axis.

In an embodiment, the resistance breathing device also includes an airexhaust assembly adapted to prevent air from passing therethrough froman external environment to the internal area of the face mask, the airexhaust assembly being adapted to allow air to pass therethrough fromthe internal area of the face mask to the external environment In anembodiment, the air exhaust assembly includes at least one outletaperture positioned offset from the at least one inlet aperture of theface mask, each of the at least one outlet aperture including a biasingmember extending across the one of the at least one outlet aperture ofthe insert and a stem extending from a center of the biasing member andaway from the insert, the stem including a first portion adjacent thecenter of the biasing member and a second portion opposite the firstportion of the stem, the first portion of the stem having a firstdiameter, and the second portion of the stem having a second diameterthat is larger than the first diameter.

In an embodiment, a resistance breathing device includes a face mask, anouter layer, an insert, an adjustment slide, and an adjustment wheel,the face mask having an interior surface, an exterior surface oppositethe interior surface, an aperture extending through the face mask fromthe exterior surface to the interior surface, and a perimeter, whereinthe face mask is adapted to overlay a user's mouth and nose such thatthe perimeter forms an air-tight seal with the user's face and aroundthe user's mouth and nose and the face mask defines an internal areabetween the interior surface of the face mask and the user's face, theouter layer overlaying the face mask and having a pair of straps withinter-engaging ends for affixing the face mask about the user's face,the insert having an interior surface, an exterior surface opposite theinterior surface of the insert, and at least one inlet apertureextending therethrough, the insert being positioned within the apertureof the face mask, the air adjustment slide including an interiorsurface, an exterior surface opposite the interior surface of theadjustment slide, and at least one inlet aperture extendingtherethrough, the adjustment slide being positioned adjacent to theinsert such that the interior surface of the adjustment slide abuts theexterior surface of the insert, the adjustment slide being movablelinearly along a linear axis with respect to the insert between a firstposition and a second position, wherein when the adjustment slide is inits first position, a first portion of the at least one inlet apertureof the adjustment slide overlays a first portion of the at least oneinlet aperture of the insert, and wherein when the adjustment slide isin its second position, a second portion of the at least one inletaperture of the adjustment slide overlays a second portion of the atleast one inlet aperture of the insert, the second portion of the atleast one inlet aperture of the adjustment slide being larger in sizethan the first portion of the at least one inlet aperture of theadjustment slide, the adjustment wheel attached movably to the insertsuch that the adjustment wheel is movable rotatably with respect to theinsert between a first position and a second position, the firstposition of the adjustment wheel corresponding to the first position ofthe adjustment slide, the second position of the adjustment wheelcorresponding to the second position of the adjustment slide, wherebywhen the adjustment wheel is moved between its first position and itssecond position, the adjustment slide is moved between its firstposition and its second position.

In an embodiment, a resistance breathing device includes a face mask, anadjustment slide, and an adjustment wheel, the face mask having aninterior surface, an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, andat least one aperture extending through the face mask from the exteriorsurface to the interior surface, the adjustment slide including at leastone inlet aperture extending therethrough, the adjustment slide beingmovably positioned adjacent to the face mask, the adjustment slide beingmovable linearly along a linear axis with respect to the face maskbetween a first position and a second position, wherein when theadjustment slide is in its first position, a first portion of the atleast one inlet aperture of the adjustment slide overlays a firstportion of the at least one aperture of the face mask, and wherein whenthe adjustment slide is in its second position, a second portion of theat least one inlet aperture of the adjustment slide overlays a secondportion of the at least one aperture of the face mask, the secondportion of the at least one inlet aperture of the adjustment slide beinglarger in size than the first portion of the at least one inlet apertureof the adjustment slide, the adjustment wheel attached movably to theface mask such that the adjustment wheel is movable rotatably between afirst position and a second position, the first position of theadjustment wheel corresponding to the first position of the adjustmentslide, the second position of the adjustment wheel corresponding to thesecond position of the adjustment slide, whereby when the adjustmentwheel is moved between its first position and its second position, theadjustment slide is moved between its first position and its secondposition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is made to the following detailed description of the exemplaryembodiment considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a resistance breathing device inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, saiddevice being shown as worn by a user;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the resistance breathing deviceshown in FIG. 1, but said device being shown as detached from the user;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the resistance breathing deviceshown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of an insertof the resistance breathing device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the insert of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of an insertof the resistance breathing device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5A is an exploded front perspective view of selected elements ofthe resistance breathing device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5B is an exploded rear perspective view of the elements shown inFIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is an assembled front perspective view of some of the elementsshown in FIG. 5A, said elements being configured in a first position;

FIG. 6B is an assembled front perspective view of the elements shown inFIG. 6A, said elements being configured in a second position; and

FIG. 6C is an assembled front perspective view of the elements shown inFIG. 6A, said elements being configured in a third position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-5C illustrate an exemplary resistance breathing device 10(hereinafter “device 10”). In an embodiment, the device 10 includes anouter layer 12 overlaying a centrally-located, air-impermeable face mask14. In an embodiment, the face mask 14 is sized, shaped, and adapted tooverlay the nose and mouth of a user. In an embodiment, the face mask 14includes a perimeter 16 (as shown in FIG. 3) that is adapted to providean air-tight seal with a user's face. In an embodiment, the face mask 14is made from rubber. In an embodiment, the face mask 14 is made from athermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”). In an embodiment, the face mask 14 ismade from a TPE distributed by Teknor Apex Company of Pawtucket, R.I.under the trademark MONPRENE. In an embodiment, the face mask 14 is madefrom silicone. In an embodiment, the face mask 14 is made fromstyrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene (“SEPS”). In an embodiment, the facemask 14 is made from styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (“SEBS”). In anembodiment, the face mask 14 is made from another suitable materialknown in the art selected such that the perimeter 16 provides anair-tight seal with a user's face.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, in an embodiment, the face mask 14includes an interior surface 18 and an exterior surface 20, asubstantial portion of which is covered by the outer layer 12. Referringnow to FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the face mask 14 includes an aperture22 extending from the interior surface 18 to the exterior surface 20. Inan embodiment, the aperture 22 is encircled by a lip 24. In anembodiment, the lip 24 includes a groove 26 formed therein and extendingabout the entirety thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in an embodiment, the device 10includes an insert 30 that is sized and shaped to be retained within theaperture 22 of the face mask 14. In an embodiment, the insert 30 has aprofile similar to a rounded triangle. In an embodiment, the insert 30has a profile similar to a teardrop. In an embodiment, the insert 30 hasa profile similar to that of a region overlaying a person's nose andmouth. The insert 30 includes an upper end 32, a lower end 34 oppositethe upper end 32, a first lateral side 36, and a second lateral side 38opposite the first lateral side 36. An outer portion 40 is sized andshaped to be complementary to the aperture 22 of the face mask 14, andextends around the profile of the insert 30. The outer portion 40 issubstantially planar and includes an interior surface 42 and an exteriorsurface 44 opposite the interior surface 42. In an embodiment, an arrayof perforations 46 extend through the outer portion 40.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the insert 30 includes an innerportion 48 disposed within the outer portion 40. The inner portion 48 issubstantially planar and is located in a plane substantially parallel tothat of the outer portion 40, but offset from that of the outer portion40 in a direction away from the exterior surface 44 of the outer portion40. The inner portion 48 includes an interior surface 50 and an exteriorsurface 52 opposite the interior surface 50. A first transition portion54 is formed between the outer portion 40 and the inner portion 48, andincludes an interior surface 56 and an exterior surface 58 opposite theinterior surface 56.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the insert 30 includes a seatingportion 60 that extends from a location proximate the upper end 32 ofthe insert 30 to a location proximate the first and second lateral sides36, 38 of the insert 30. The seating portion 60 is offset from the innerportion 48 in a direction away from the exterior surface 52 of the innerportion 48. The seating portion 60 includes an interior surface 62 andan exterior surface 64 opposite the interior surface 62. The seatingportion 60 is contoured in a manner such the interior surface 62 isconcave and the exterior surface 64 is convex. An indentation 66 isformed within the exterior surface 64 of the seating portion 60 at alocation proximate the upper end 32 of the insert 30. A secondtransition portion 68 is formed between the inner portion 48 and theseating portion 60, and includes an interior surface 70 and an exteriorsurface 72 opposite the interior surface 70.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the insert 30 includes first andsecond perimeter portions 74, 76, which protrude from the inner portion48 in a direction away from the exterior surface 52 of the inner portion48. The first perimeter portion 74 extends from proximate the secondtransition portion 68 at a location proximate the first lateral side 36of the insert 30, and runs in a direction toward, but does not reach,the lower end 34 of the insert 30. The second perimeter portion 76extends from the second transition portion 68 at a location proximatethe second lateral side 38 of the insert 30, and runs in a directiontoward, but does not reach, the lower end 34 of the insert 30. A space78 is formed between the first and second perimeter portions 74, 76.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the insert 30 includes a groove80 extending about substantially the entire perimeter thereof. Thegroove 80 is formed at a location proximate the exterior surface 52 ofthe inner portion 48. The groove 80 begins at the intersection of thefirst perimeter portion 74 and the space 78 between the first and secondperimeter portions 74, 76, and extends around the perimeter of theinsert 30, passing the first lateral side 36, the upper end 32, and thesecond lateral side 38, before ending at the intersection of the secondperimeter portion 76 and the space 78 between the first and secondperimeter portions 74, 76. In an embodiment, the indentation 66 of theseating portion 60 interrupts the groove 80.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the insert 30 includes an inletaperture 82 extending through and substantially centered with respect tothe inner portion 48. In an embodiment, the inlet aperture 82 has asubstantially rectangular shape. In an embodiment, the inlet aperture 82has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners. In anembodiment, the inlet aperture 82 has a first end 84 that is closest tothe first lateral side 36 of the insert 30, a second end 86 that isclosest to the second lateral side 38 of the insert 30, a first side 88that is closest to the upper end 32 of the insert 30, and a second side90 that is closest to the lower end 34 of the insert 30. In anembodiment, a width of the inlet aperture 82 from the first end 84 tothe second end 86 is greater than a height of the inlet aperture 82 fromthe first side 88 to the second side 90.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the insert 30 also includes anupper bracket 92 protruding from the exterior surface 52 of the innerportion 48. The upper bracket 92 extends in a direction across theinsert 30 from the first lateral side 36 toward the second lateral side38. The upper bracket 92 is offset from the inlet aperture 82 in adirection toward the upper end 32 of the insert 30.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the insert 30 includes first andsecond lower brackets 94, 96 protruding from the exterior surface 52 ofthe inner portion 48. Each of the lower brackets 94, 96 extends in adirection across the insert 30 from the first lateral side 36 toward thesecond lateral side 38. Each of the lower brackets 94, 96 is offset fromthe inlet aperture 82 by the same distance in a direction toward thelower end 34 of the insert 30. The first lower bracket 94 extends from alocation proximate the intersection of the first end 84 and the secondside 90 of the inlet aperture 82, and in a direction toward the firstlateral side 36 of the insert 30. The second lower bracket 96 extendsfrom a location proximate the intersection of the second end 86 and thesecond side 90 of the inlet aperture 82, and in a direction toward thesecond lateral side 38 of the insert 30. A space 98 is formed betweenthe first and second lower brackets 94, 96.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the insert 30 also includesfirst and second side brackets 100, 102 protruding from the exteriorsurface 52 of the inner portion 48. Each of the first and second sidebrackets 100, 102 extends in a direction from the first end 32 towardthe second end 34. The first side bracket 100 is offset from the inletaperture 82 in a direction toward the first lateral side 36 of theinsert 30. The second side bracket 102 is offset from the inlet aperture82 in a direction toward the second lateral side 38 of the insert 30.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the upper bracket 92, the lowerbrackets 94, 96, and the side brackets 100, 102 (collectively “thebrackets”) cooperate to define a rectangle 104 having a width (i.e., asmeasured between the first side bracket 100 and the second side bracket102) that is greater than its height (i.e., as measured between theupper bracket 92 and either of the lower brackets 94, 96). It will beapparent to those of skill in the art that the rectangle 104 is animaginary construct defined herein for descriptive purposes, and not aphysical element of the insert 30.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the insert 30 includes first,second, and third posts 106, 108, 110. The first and second posts 106,108 protrude from the upper bracket 92 in a direction away from theexterior surface 52 of the inner portion 48 of the insert 30, and arelocated at opposite sides of the inlet aperture 82. In an embodiment,the first and second posts 106, 108 protrude from bases projecting awayfrom the upper bracket 92 in a direction toward the upper end 32 of theinsert 30. The third post 110 protrudes from the exterior surface 52 ofthe inner portion 48 of the insert 30, and is substantially centeredwithin the space 98 between the first and second lower brackets 94, 96.In an embodiment, the third post 110 includes a lower portion 112 havinga first diameter and an upper portion 114 having a second diameter thatis less than the first diameter. In an embodiment, the diameter of theupper portion 114 of the third post 110, the diameter of the first post106, and the diameter of the second post 108 are substantially equal toone another.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the insert 30 includes anexhaust aperture 116 extending through the inner portion 48. In anembodiment, the exhaust aperture 116 is offset from said inlet aperture82, and is located intermediate the upper bracket 92 and the seatingportion 60. In an embodiment, the exhaust aperture 116 is circular. Inan embodiment, a biasing element 118 extends across the exhaust aperture116. In an embodiment, the biasing element 118 includes a center 120. Inan embodiment, a stem 122 extends from the center 120 of the biasingelement 118 in a direction perpendicularly and outwardly from theexterior surface 52 of the inner portion 48. In an embodiment, the stem122 includes a first portion 124 adjacent to the exterior surface 52 ofthe inner portion 48 and a free second portion 126 opposite the firstportion 124. In an embodiment, a diameter of the first portion 124 isless than a diameter of the second portion 126.

Referring now to FIG. 4C, an alternate embodiment of an insert 130 isshown. In an embodiment, the insert 130 may be substituted in place ofthe insert 30. The insert 130 is substantially identical to the insert30 other than insofar as will be described hereinafter. The insert 130includes an inlet aperture 132 having a shape of a right trapezoid,rather than the rectangular inlet aperture 82 of the insert 30. In anembodiment, the inlet aperture 132 has a shape of a right trapezoid withrounded corners. In an embodiment, an inlet aperture 132 having a shapeof a right trapezoid may be formed by truncating a rectangular shape(i.e., the shape of the inlet aperture 82 as described above). FIG. 4Cillustrates the insert 130 including the inlet aperture 132. The inletaperture 132 includes a first side 134 and a second side 136, which areparallel to one another. The first side 134 may be analogous to thefirst side 88 of the inlet aperture 82, but may be shorter in length aswill be described hereinafter. The second side 136 of the inlet aperture132 may be analogous to the second side 90 of the inlet aperture 82. Adiagonal end 138 extends from an end of the second side 136 and forms aforty-five (45) degree angle with the second side 136, ending at thefirst side 134. A perpendicular end 140 extends from the opposite end ofthe second side 136 in a perpendicular direction to the first side 134.The perpendicular end 138 may be analogous to the second end 86 of theinlet aperture 82. The outline 142 indicates the profile of the inletaperture 82 of the insert 30 as superimposed over the inlet aperture132. It will be apparent to those of skill in the art that the outline142 is a construct for reference purposes and not a physical element ofthe insert 130. The area 144 between the inlet aperture 132 and theoutline 142 represents the decrease in cross-sectional area of the inletaperture 132 as compared to the inlet aperture 82 of the insert 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in an embodiment, the device 10includes an adjustment slide 150. The adjustment slide 150 includes asubstantially rectangular body 152. In an embodiment, the body 152 hasrounded corners. In an embodiment, the body 152 has a first end 154, asecond end 156 opposite the first end 154, a first side 158, a secondside 160 opposite the first side 158, an interior surface 162, and anexterior surface 164 opposite the interior surface 162. In anembodiment, the rectangular body 152 is sized and shaped to be slidablydisposed within the rectangle 104 defined by the brackets 92, 94, 96,100, 102 of the insert 30.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an aperture 166 extends throughthe body 152 from the interior surface 162 to the exterior surface 164.In an embodiment, the aperture 166 is offset such that it is closer tothe second end 156 than to the first end 154. In an embodiment, theaperture 166 has a profile that is substantially identical to that ofthe inlet aperture 82 of the insert 30. A plurality of teeth 168 isformed in the second side 160 of the body 152. An array of grooves 170is formed in the exterior surface 164 of the body 152. Moreparticularly, the grooves 170 are located in the portion of the exteriorsurface 164 located between the aperture 166 and the first end 154. Inan embodiment, each of the grooves 170 has a substantially rectangular(e.g., rectangular with rounded corners) profile and a substantiallysemicircular cross-section. In an embodiment, the adjustment slide 150includes seven (7) of the grooves 170.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in an embodiment, therectangular body 152 of the adjustment slide 150 has a height (i.e., asmeasured from the first side 158 to the second side 160) that iscomplementary to the height of the rectangle 104 of the insert 30, suchthat the adjustment slide 150 can be placed within the rectangle 104 andbe retained in a desired position with respect to the upper bracket 92and the lower brackets 94, 96. In an embodiment, the rectangular body152 has a width (i.e., as measured from the first end 154 to the secondend 156) that is less than the width of the rectangle 104 of the insert30 (i.e., as measured from the first side bracket 100 to the second sidebracket 102), such that when the adjustment slide 150 is placed withinthe rectangle 104, it may be slid along the width of the rectangle 104,as bounded by the side brackets 100, 102. Such motion may be referred toas being along a horizontal (i.e., linear) axis extending parallel tothe upper bracket 92 and the lower brackets 94, 96, and perpendicular tothe first and second side brackets 100, 102.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the device 10 includes aretainer 190. The retainer 190 has a substantially planar body 192including an interior surface 194 and an exterior surface 196 oppositethe interior surface 194. In an embodiment, the body 192 includes asubstantially rectangular main portion 198 having a first end 200, asecond end 202 opposite the first end 200, a first side 204, and asecond side 206 opposite the first side 204. In an embodiment, first andsecond semicircular projections 208, 210 extend from the first side 204.In an embodiment, a triangular projection 212 having rounded cornersextends from the second side 206. An aperture 214 extends through thebody 192 of the retainer 190 in a substantially centered position. Moreparticularly, the aperture 214 is positioned such that, when theretainer 190 is attached to the insert 30 (as will be described infurther detail below), the aperture 214 will overlay the inlet aperture82 of the insert 30. The aperture 214 has a profile that issubstantially identical to that of the inlet aperture 82 of the insert30. The aperture 214 has a first end 216 proximate the first end 200 ofthe rectangular main portion 198 of the body 192. First, second, andthird holes 218, 220, 222 extend through the body 192 of the retainer190. The first and second hole 218, 220 are positioned within thesemicircular projections 208, 210 and are substantially centeredtherewith, while the third hole 222 is positioned within the triangularprojection 212. The holes 218, 220, 222 are each sized and shaped so asto receive a corresponding one of the first, second, and third posts106, 108, 110 of the insert 30.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in an embodiment, first andsecond slots 224, 226 extend from the first end 216 of the aperture 214.The first and second slots 224, 226 extend through the body 192 from theinterior surface 194 to the exterior surface 196, and extend toward, butdo not reach, the first end 200 of the rectangular main portion 198 ofthe body 192. In an embodiment, the first slot 224 is located proximatethe first side 204 of the rectangular main portion 198, while the secondslot 226 is located proximate the second side 206 of the rectangularmain portion 198. An arm 228 is formed between the first and secondslots 224, 226. The arm 228 has a first end 230 proximate the first end200 of the rectangular main portion 198 and a free second end 232proximate the aperture 214. A ridge 234 protrudes from the interiorsurface 194 along the second end 232 of the arm 228. The ridge 234 issized and shaped so as to selectively engage one of grooves 170 of theadjustment slide 150.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the device 10 includes anadjustment wheel 240. The adjustment wheel 240 includes a substantiallycircular body 242 having an interior surface 244 and an exterior surface246 opposite the interior surface 244. A hole 248 extends through thebody 242 and is positioned concentrically therewith. The hole 248 issized and shaped to receive the lower portion 112 of the third post 110of the insert 30 in a complementary manner, such that the adjustmentwheel 240 cannot move across the exterior surface 44 of the innerportion 48 of the insert 30, but can rotate with respect to the insert30. Such rotation may be described as rotation about a rotational axisextending through the third post 110 and perpendicular to the exteriorsurface 52 of the inner portion 48 of the insert 30. The rotational axisis perpendicular to and offset from the horizontal axis along which theadjustment slide 150 may move, as described above. The body 242 includesa first side 250 and a second side 252 opposite the first side 250. Aplurality of teeth 254 extend from the first side 250 of the body 212,and are sized and shaped so as to mesh with the teeth 168 formed withinthe body 152 of the adjustment slide 150. A plurality of grips 256extend from the second side 252 of the body 242, and are sized andshaped so as to enable a user of the device 10 to rotate the adjustmentwheel in a manner that will be described in further detail hereinafter.In an embodiment, indicia are printed on the exterior surface 246 of thebody 242.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the device 10 includes aflexible, air-impermeable, disc-shaped diaphragm 260. In an embodiment,the diaphragm 260 has an interior surface 262 and an exterior surface264 opposite the interior surface 262. In an embodiment, a profile ofthe diaphragm 260 is complementary to that of the exhaust aperture 116of the insert 30. A tubular post 266 extends from the center 268 of theexterior surface 264. A central opening 270 extends through thediaphragm 260 from the interior surface 262 and through the tubular post266. In an embodiment, the central opening 270 is sized and shaped toreceive the first portion 124 of the stem 122 of the insert 30 so as toenable the diaphragm 260 to be mounted on the insert 30. In anembodiment, the tubular post 266 is formed integrally with the diaphragm260 and extends generally perpendicularly from the exterior surface 264.In another embodiment, the tubular post 266 is a separate component fromthe diaphragm 260. In an embodiment, the diaphragm 260 is made ofsilicone.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in an embodiment, the device 10includes a face plate 280. The face plate 280 includes an outer plate282 having an interior surface 284, an exterior surface 286 opposite theinterior surface 284, an upper end 288, a lower end 290, and a perimeter292 defining a profile that is generally similar to that of the insert30. In an embodiment, the outer plate 282 is substantially planar. In anembodiment, the outer plate 282 is curved such that the interior surface284 is concave and the exterior surface 286 is convex. A perimeter plate294 extends from the perimeter 292 and away from the interior surface284 of the outer plate 282 by a first distance. The perimeter plate 294has an interior surface 296 and an exterior surface 298 opposite theinterior surface 296. The perimeter plate 294 further includes a gap 300proximate the lower end 290 of the outer plate 282, within which theperimeter plate 294 extends away from the interior surface 284 of theouter plate 282 by a second distance that is less than the firstdistance. In an embodiment, a ridge 302 extends from the interiorsurface 296 of the perimeter plate 294. In an embodiment, the ridge 302extends around the entirety of the perimeter plate 294 at a locationdistal to the outer plate 282. In an embodiment, the ridge 302 is sized,shaped, and positioned so as to engage the groove 80 of the insert 30,and thereby retain the face plate 280 and the insert 30 in proximity toone another. In an embodiment, slots 304 extend through the outer plate282 from the interior surface 284 to the exterior surface 286 thereof.In an embodiment, the slots 304 are positioned proximate the lower end290 of the outer plate 282. In an embodiment, the face plate 280 iscontoured to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the device10. In an embodiment, the slots 304 are sized and shaped so as to hidethe internal elements of the device 10 (i.e., the insert 30, theadjustment slide 150, the retainer 190, the adjustment wheel 240, andthe diaphragm 260) from view.

In an embodiment, the insert 30 (or, alternatively, the insert 130), theadjustment slide 150, the retainer 190, the adjustment wheel 240, andthe face plate 280 are made from a polycarbonate (“PC”) plastic. In anembodiment, the insert 30 (or, alternatively, the insert 130), theadjustment slide 150, the retainer 190, the adjustment wheel 240, andthe face plate 280 are made from a nylon plastic. In an embodiment, theinsert 30 (or, alternatively, the insert 130), the adjustment slide 150,the retainer 190, the adjustment wheel 240, and the face plate 280 aremade from a polypropylene plastic. In an embodiment, the insert 30 (or,alternatively, the insert 130), the adjustment slide 150, the retainer190, the adjustment wheel 240, and the face plate 280 are made fromanother material selected such that they are capable of use as describedherein. In an embodiment each of the insert 30 (or, alternatively, theinsert 130), the adjustment slide 150, the retainer 190, the adjustmentwheel 240, and the face plate 280 is made a material that is differentfrom one another. In an embodiment, at least one of the insert 30, theadjustment slide 150, the retainer 190, the adjustment wheel 240, andthe face plate 280 is made from a translucent material. In anembodiment, at least one of the insert 30 (or, alternatively, the insert130), the adjustment slide 150, the retainer 190, the adjustment wheel240, and the face plate 280 is made from an opaque material.

Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, in an embodiment, the outer layer 12includes straps 310, 312 extending in opposite directions away from acentral portion 314. In an embodiment, the central portion 314 includesan aperture 316 that is sized and shaped to surround the face mask 14and retain the face mask 14 therein, as will be described in furtherdetail below with reference to assembly of the device 10. In anembodiment, the outer layer 12 is made from a fabric material. In anembodiment, the outer layer 12 is made from an elastic material. In anembodiment, the size of the outer layer 12 is adjustable (e.g., thelengths of the straps 310, 312 are adjustable). In an embodiment, thestraps 310, 312 include corresponding ends 318, 320. In an embodiment,the ends 318, 320 of the straps 310, 312 incorporate corresponding hookand loop fasteners 322, 324 to enable the ends 318, 320 to be secured toone another, thereby to enable the device 10 to be affixed about theuser's head (see, e.g., FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the ends 318, 320of the straps 310, 312 include other securing means known in the art,such as clips, press-fit snaps, buttons, or the like. In an embodiment,the straps 310, 312 include cutouts 326, 328 for seating around theuser's ears to further secure the device 10 to the user's face.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A through 6C, assembly of the device 10 isdescribed. The disclosure herein will refer to a device 10 including theinsert 30 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, but it will be apparent to those ofskill in the art that the insert 130 shown in FIG. 4C may be substitutedfor the insert 30. In an embodiment, the face mask 14 and the insert 30are integrally formed with one another by an overmolding process. Whenthe face mask 14 and the insert 30 are so formed, the entire peripheryof the outer portion 40 of the insert 30 is disposed within the groove26 of the lip 24 of the face mask 14, and the material of the face mask14 extends through each of the perforations 46 that are formed in theouter portion 40 of the insert 30. The elastic nature of the face mask14, coupled with the overmolding as described above, retains the insert30 within the aperture 22 (and, more particularly, within the groove 26)in an engagement that is air-tight and structurally secure. However, forclarity of illustration, the face mask 14 is not shown in FIGS. 4A-5C.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 5A through 6C, the adjustment slide 150 isplaced within the rectangle 104 of the insert 30 such that the interiorsurface 162 of the body 152 of the adjustment slide 150 faces theexterior surface 52 of the inner portion 48 of the insert 30. Theposition of the adjustment slide 150 is bounded by the brackets 92, 94,96, 100, 102 of the insert 30. The grooves 170 of the exterior surface164 of the body 152 of the adjustment slide 150 face away from theinsert 30.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 5A through 6C, the adjustment wheel 240 isplaced over the third post 110 of the insert 30, such that the lowerportion 112 of the third post 110 is received within the hole 248 of theadjustment wheel 240, and such that the interior surface 244 of the body242 of the adjustment wheel 240 faces the exterior surface 52 of theinner portion 48 of the insert 30. When the adjustment wheel 240 is sopositioned, the first side 250 of the adjustment wheel 240 extendsthrough the space 98 between the first and second lower brackets 94, 96of the insert 30, allowing the teeth 254 of the adjustment wheel 240 tomesh with the teeth 168 of the adjustment slide 150. Also, when theadjustment wheel 240 is so positioned, the second side 252 of theadjustment wheel 240 extends through the space 78 between the first andsecond perimeter portions 74, 76 of the insert 30, allowing the grips256 of the adjustment wheel to extend past the lower end 34 of theinsert 30. As described above with reference to the adjustment wheel240, the adjustment wheel 240 is able to rotate about the third post110, but cannot move across the exterior surface 52.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 5A through 6C, the retainer 190 is placedover the assembled combination of the insert 30, the adjustment slide150, and the adjustment wheel 240. Each of the first, second, and thirdholes 216, 218, 220 of the retainer 190 receives a corresponding one ofthe first, second, and third posts 106, 108, 110 of the insert 30. Theinterior surface 194 of the body 192 of the retainer 190 abuts theexterior surface 164 of the body 152 of the adjustment slide 150, theexterior surface 246 of the body 242 of the adjustment wheel 240, andthe brackets 92, 94, 96, 100, 102 of the insert 30. The ridge 234 at thesecond end 232 of the arm 228 of the retainer 190 is received by one ofthe grooves 170 of the adjustment slide 150. The retainer 190 is securedin place by a process involving the use of heat staking or sonic weldingto secure the first, second, and third posts 106, 108, 110 of the insert30 within the corresponding ones of the first, second, and third holes216, 218, 220 of the retainer 190. As a result of such a process, joints340 (see FIGS. 6A through 6C) are formed and fix the first, second, andthird posts 106, 108, 110 of the insert 30 within the corresponding onesof the first, second, and third holes 216, 218, 220. When the retainer190 is secured in this manner, the adjustment slide 150 and theadjustment wheel 240 are held in position by the retainer 190 such thatthey cannot move away from the insert 30. More particularly, the joints340 maintains the retainer 190, the adjustment slide 150, and the insert30 in sufficiently close alignment to one another such that they form asubstantially airtight seal with one another. Consequently, air cannotpass around the adjustment slide 150 and through the inlet aperture 82of the retainer 30.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 5A through 6C, the diaphragm 260 is engagedwith the insert 30 by inserting the stem 122 of the insert 30 throughthe opening 270 within the post 266 of the diaphragm 260, such that theinterior surface 262 of the diaphragm 260 abuts the biasing element 118of the insert 30. When the diaphragm 260 is so positioned, the firstportion 124 of the stem 122 is within the opening 270 of the diaphragm,while the larger second portion 126 of the stem 12 abuts the post 266 ofthe diaphragm 260. Consequently, once the diaphragm 260 is engaged withthe stem 122, the abutment of the second portion 126 of the stem 122 andthe post 266 of the diaphragm 260 holds the interior surface 262 of thediaphragm 260 to the biasing element 118 of the insert 30 and preventsremoval of the diaphragm 260 from the insert 30.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 5A through 6C, the face plate 280 isengaged to the insert 30 by engaging the ridge 302 of the face plate 280to the groove 80 of the insert 30. During such engagement, theprojection 306 of the face plate 280 may be aligned with the indentation66 in the exterior surface 64 of the seating portion 60 of the insert 30to facilitate proper alignment of the face plate 280 with the insert 30.The face plate 280 may be permanently fixed to the insert 30 (e.g.,through the use of the joints 340 described above with reference toFIGS. 6A through 6C), or may be removable therefrom.

As noted above, in an embodiment, the insert 30 and the face mask 14 areovermolded and integrally formed with one another. In anotherembodiment, the insert 30 and the face mask 14 may be separately formedand subsequently engaged with one another. In such an embodiment, theassembled combination of the insert 30, the adjustment slide 150, theadjustment wheel 240, the retainer 190, the diaphragm 260, and the faceplate 280 is engaged with the face mask 14 by placing the insert 30within the aperture 22 of the face mask 14 and positioning the entireperiphery of the outer portion 40 of the insert 30 within the groove 26of the lip 24 of the face mask 14, in which position the face mask 14forms an air-tight seal around the insert 30. An adhesive or a sealantmay be placed within the groove 26 to attain a secure and permanent sealaround the insert 30. In another embodiment including a separatelyformed insert 30 and face mask 14, the insert 30 and the face mask 14may be engaged with one another, as described above, prior to engagingthe remaining elements of the device 10 with the insert 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, the outer layer 12 is laid over the facemask 14, which has the assembled combination of the insert 30, theadjustment slide 150, the adjustment wheel 240, the retainer 190, thediaphragm 260, and the face plate 280 retained therein. The aperture 316of the outer layer 12 is stretched and pulled over the assembledcombination of the insert 30, the adjustment slide 150, the adjustmentwheel 240, the retainer 190, the diaphragm 260, and the face plate 280until the outer layer 12 abuts the face mask 14. The outer layer 12 isthen allowed to return to its relaxed (i.e., unstretched) size such thatthe aperture 316 constricts around the exterior surface 58 of the firsttransition portion 54 of the insert 30, and is held between the facemask 14 and the perimeter plate 294 of the face plate 280. Consequently,the outer layer 12 retains the remaining elements of the device 10 inthe aperture 316.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6A through 6C, use of the exemplary device10 by a user according to an exemplary embodiment will now be described.Initially, the device 10 is affixed to the user's face by placing theface mask 14 over the user's mouth and nose, passing the straps 310, 312around either side of the user's head such that the cutouts 326, 328overlap the user's ears, and securing the ends 318, 320 to one anotherusing the hook and loop fasteners 322, 324. The user may adjust the hookand loop fasteners 322, 324 to ensure that the face mask 14 is pulledagainst the user's face with sufficient force such that the perimeter 16thereof is pressed tightly against the user's face and around the user'smouth and nose. By such action, an airtight seal is created between theuser's face and the face mask 14, thereby ensuring that air can onlypass in and out for the user's inhalation and exhalation through thevarious apertures formed within the insert 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A through 6C, adjustment of the exemplary device10 by a user will now be described. More particularly, FIGS. 6A, 6B, and6C illustrate certain elements of the device 10 (i.e., the insert 30,the adjustment slide 150, the adjustment wheel 240, and the retainer190) with remaining elements of the device 10 (including, most relevant,the face plate 280) omitted for clarity. FIG. 6A shows a first positionof the adjustment slide 150 with respect to the insert 30. Specifically,the adjustment slide 150 is positioned so as to abut the first sidebracket 100, as far toward the first lateral side 36 of the insert 30 asthe adjustment slide 150 may travel within the rectangle 104 of theinsert 30. When the adjustment slide 150 is so positioned, the ridge 234of the arm 228 of the retainer 190 rests within the one of the grooves170 of the adjustment slide 150 that is closest to the aperture 166 ofthe adjustment slide 150. Also, when the adjustment slide 150 is sopositioned, the entirety of the aperture 166 of the adjustment slide 150overlaps corresponding entireties of the inlet aperture 82 of the insert30 and the aperture 214 of the retainer 190 (i.e., which are alignedwith one another because of the fixed position of the retainer 190 withrespect to the insert 30). Consequently, a comparatively large volume ofair may pass through the aligned combination of the aperture 214 of theretainer 190, the aperture 166 of the adjustment slide 150, and theinlet aperture 82 of the insert 30.

Referring now to FIG. 6B, in some circumstances, the user may wish todecrease the volume of air that may pass into the face mask 14. In thiscase, the user may manipulate the adjustment wheel 240, with the grips256 aiding the user's ability to do so, and may rotate the adjustmentwheel 240 in a clockwise direction as viewed from the perspective shownin FIGS. 6A through 6C. Such rotation of the adjustment wheel 240 and,consequently, the teeth 254 thereof drives corresponding motion of theteeth 168 of the adjustment slide 150, thereby causing the adjustmentslide 150 to move toward the second lateral side 38 of the insert 30. Asthe adjustment slide 150 moves toward the second lateral side 38 of theinsert 30, a smaller portion of the aperture 166 of the adjustment slide150 will overlap corresponding smaller portions of the inlet aperture 82of the insert 30 and the aperture 214 of the retainer 190. Consequently,a correspondingly smaller volume of air will be able to pass through thealigned combination of the aperture 214 of the retainer 190, theaperture 166 of the adjustment slide 150, and the inlet aperture 82 ofthe insert 30. Referring now to FIG. 6B, the adjustment slide 150 isshown in an intermediate position in which the ridge 234 of the arm 228of the retainer 190 rests within an intermediate one of the grooves 170of the adjustment slide and an intermediate portion of the aperture 166of the adjustment slide 150 overlaps intermediate portions of the inletaperture 82 of the insert 30 and the aperture 214 of the retainer 190.

Referring now to FIG. 6C, if the user wishes to allow an even smallerdegree of air flow into the face mask 14, the user may continue torotate the adjustment wheel 240 until the adjustment slide 150 has beendriven to such an extent that it has traveled as far as possible towardthe second lateral side 38 of the insert 30, and abuts the second sidebracket 102 of the insert 30. When the adjustment slide 150 is sopositioned, the ridge 234 of the arm 228 of the retainer 190 restswithin the one of the grooves 170 of the adjustment slide 150 that isclosest to the first end 154 of the body 152 of the adjustment slide150. Also, when the adjustment slide 150 is so positioned, only a verysmall portion of the aperture 166 of the adjustment slide 150 overlapscorresponding very small portions of the inlet aperture 82 of the insert30 and the aperture 214 of the retainer 190 (i.e., which remain alignedwith one another because of the fixed position of the retainer 190 withrespect to the insert 30). Consequently, a smaller volume of air maypass through the aligned combination of the aperture 214 of the retainer190, the aperture 166 of the adjustment slide 150, and the inletaperture 82 of the insert 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6C, when the user inhales, a reducedair pressure is induced within the face mask 14 as compared to thesurrounding atmosphere. This reduced air pressure urges the diaphragm260 against the biasing element 118, in which position the diaphragm 260completely overlaps and seals the exhaust aperture 116 of the insert 30.Due to such sealing, air cannot pass from the user's surroundings towithin the face mask 14 through exhaust aperture 116 of the insert 30.As a result, the only air that can pass from the user's surroundings towithin the face mask 14 is air allowed to pass through the alignedcombination of the aperture 214 of the retainer 190, the aperture 166 ofthe adjustment slide 150, and the inlet aperture 82 of the insert 30. Asdescribed above, the user of the device 10 may configure the size of theportion of the aperture 166 of the adjustment slide 150 that overlapsthe aperture 214 of the retainer 190 and the inlet aperture 82 of theinsert 30 by adjusting the position of the adjustment wheel 240 to drivecorresponding motion of the adjustment slide 150 with respect to theinsert 30. Therefore, by adjusting the position of the adjustment wheel240, the user of the device 10 may control the amount of air that thedevice 10 allows him or her to inhale.

As discussed above, the insert 130 having the trapezoidal inlet aperture132 may be used in place of the insert 30 having the rectangular inletaperture 82. In such an embodiment, the amount of air that is allowedpass through the aligned combination of the aperture 214 of the retainer190, the aperture 166 of the adjustment slide 150, and the inletaperture 132 of the insert 30, when the device is positioned as shown inFIG. 6A, will be less than that described above with reference to FIG.6A, due to the reduced area of the inlet aperture 132 of the insert 130as compared to the inlet aperture 82 of the insert 30 (i.e., asrepresented by the area 144 shown in FIG. 4C). Therefore, an embodimentof a resistance breathing device including the insert 130 may provide agreater degree of inhalation resistance, when configured to allow themaximum allowable amount of air to be inhaled therethrough, than thedevice 10 including the insert 30.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 through 6C, when the user exhales, anincreased air pressure is induced within the face mask 14 as compared tothe surrounding atmosphere. This increased air pressure urges thediaphragm 260 away from the biasing element 118 of the insert 30, inwhich position the diaphragm 260 does not seal the exhaust aperture 116of the insert 30. Due to such lack of sealing, exhaled air can freelypass from within the face mask 14 to the user's surroundings through theexhaust aperture 116 of the insert 30 and the slots 304 of the faceplate 280. Because the combination of the diaphragm 260, the biasingelement 118, and the exhaust aperture 116 cooperate to allow the userexhale freely therethrough, while preventing air inhalationtherethrough, this combination of elements may be considered to form anair exhaust valve assembly.

The resistance breathing device 10 restricts the volume of air that canbe inhaled by a user during ventilation to the volume of air that canpass through the portions of the aperture 166 of the adjustment slide150 that overlaps the aligned combination of the aperture 214 of theretainer 190 and the inlet aperture 82 of the insert 30. Consequently,the resistance breathing device 10 restricts the oxygen available to theuser's body when the device 10 is worn by the user. Users who wear theresistance breathing device 10 during physical training may realizeimproved benefits from such physical training due to such restriction.Moreover, because the user may select the position of the adjustmentslide 150 as described above, and thereby select the sizes of theportions of the aperture 166 of the adjustment slide 150 that overlapsthe aligned combination of the aperture 214 of the retainer 190 and theinlet aperture 82 of the insert 30, the user may select the degree ofrestriction of inhalation of oxygen to be provided by the resistancebreathing device 10.

Depending upon the position of the adjustment slide 150 with respect tothe insert 30, and with respect to the retainer 190 that is fixed to theinsert 30, the ridge 234 of the arm 228 of the retainer 190 either willbe within one of the grooves 170 of the adjustment slide 150 or will beabutting a portion of the exterior surface 164 of the adjustment slide150 that is between two of the grooves 170. When the ridge 234 ispositioned within one of the grooves 170, a comparatively large amountof force will be required to cause lateral motion of the adjustmentslide 150 with respect to the insert 30, because the applied force mustalso drive the ridge 234, and, consequently, the arm 228 of the retainer190, upward (i.e., away from the adjustment slide 150 and the insert 30)in order for such lateral motion to be permitted. Conversely, when theridge 234 is positioned between two of the grooves 170, the arm 228 isalready flexed away from the adjustment slide 150 and the insert 30, anda comparatively small amount of force will be required to cause lateralmotion of the adjustment slide 150 with respect to the insert 30.Consequently, the position of the adjustment slide 150 and thecorresponding position of the adjustment wheel 240 will feel “settled”to the user when the ridge 234 is within one of the grooves 170, andwill feel “unsettled” to the user when the ridge 234 is not within oneof the grooves 170. This tactile sensation may serve as a guide to theuser of the device 10 in adjusting the position of the adjustment wheel240, particularly when the device 10 has already been fastened about theuser's head and cannot readily be seen by the user.

As a further result of the above, each of the grooves 170 may provide adiscrete position setting for the adjustment slide 150 and theadjustment wheel 240, each of which corresponds to a different degree ofoverlap of the aperture 166 of the adjustment slide 150 with the inletaperture 82 of the insert 30 and the aperture 214 of the retainer 190,and each of which, in turn, corresponds to a volume of air that may passthrough the aligned combination of the aperture 214 of the retainer 190,the aperture 166 of the adjustment slide 150, and the inlet aperture 82of the insert 30. Consequently, the user may more easily configure thedevice 10 to allow a desired degree of air flow into the face mask 14(e.g., the same degree as used in a previous workout; a greaterrestriction of air flow into the face mask 14 than a previous workout)through tactile sensation alone, without the need to remove the device10 for visual inspection.

It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merelyexemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variationsand modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. All such variations and modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of the invention, as embodied in the appendedclaims presented.

What is claimed is:
 1. A resistance breathing device, comprising: a facemask having an interior surface, an exterior surface opposite saidinterior surface, at least one inlet aperture extending through saidface mask from said exterior surface to said interior surface, and aperimeter, wherein said face mask is adapted to overlay a user's mouthand nose such that said perimeter forms an air-tight seal with theuser's face and around the user's mouth and nose and said face maskdefines an internal area between said interior surface of said face maskand the user's face; an outer layer overlaying said face mask and havinga pair of straps with inter-engaging ends for affixing said face maskabout the user's face; an adjustment slide including at least one inletaperture extending therethrough, said adjustment slide being movablypositioned adjacent to said face mask, said adjustment slide beingmovable linearly along a linear axis with respect to said face maskbetween a first position and a second position, wherein when saidadjustment slide is in its said first position, a first portion of saidat least one inlet aperture of said adjustment slide overlays a firstportion of said at least one inlet aperture of said face mask, andwherein when said adjustment slide is in its said second position, asecond portion of said at least one inlet aperture of said adjustmentslide overlays a second portion of said at least one inlet aperture ofsaid face mask, said second portion of said at least one inlet apertureof said adjustment slide being larger in size than said first portion ofsaid at least one inlet aperture of said adjustment slide; and anadjustment wheel attached movably to said face mask such that saidadjustment wheel is movable rotatably between a first position and asecond position, said first position of said adjustment wheelcorresponding to said first position of said adjustment slide, saidsecond position of said adjustment wheel corresponding to said secondposition of said adjustment slide, whereby when said adjustment wheel ismoved between its said first position and its said second position, saidadjustment slide is moved between its said first position and its saidsecond position.
 2. The resistance breathing device of claim 1, whereinsaid adjustment slide includes a first plurality of teeth, and whereinsaid adjustment wheel includes a second plurality of teeth, wherein saidadjustment slide and said adjustment wheel are positioned adjacent oneanother such that said first plurality of teeth of said adjustment slidemesh with said second plurality of teeth of said adjustment wheel. 3.The resistance breathing device of claim 2, wherein said adjustmentwheel rotates about a rotational axis to move between its said firstposition and its said second position, said rotational axis beingperpendicular to said linear axis.
 4. The resistance breathing device ofclaim 1, further comprising a retainer having at least one inletaperture, said retainer overlaying said adjustment slide so as tomaintain said adjustment slide in its position adjacent said face maskand such that said at least one inlet aperture of said retainer overlayssaid at least one inlet aperture of said face mask.
 5. The resistancebreathing device of claim 4, wherein said adjustment slide includes aplurality of grooves formed in said exterior surface of said adjustmentslide and spaced along said linear axis, wherein said retainer includesa ridge projecting from said interior surface of said retainer, whereinsaid ridge of said retainer is positioned within a first one of saidplurality of grooves of said adjustment slide when said adjustment slideis in its said first position, and wherein said ridge of said retaineris positioned within a second one of said plurality of grooves of saidadjustment slide when said adjustment slide is in its said secondposition.
 6. The resistance breathing device of claim 5, wherein saidridge of said retainer is positioned adjacent to said at least one inletaperture of said retainer.
 7. The resistance breathing device of claim5, wherein said ridge of said retainer and said plurality of grooves ofsaid adjustment slide are sized and shaped such that when said ridge ispositioned within one of said plurality of grooves, said ridge and saidone of said plurality of grooves cooperate to resist movement of saidadjustment slide along said linear axis.
 8. The resistance breathingdevice of claim 4, wherein said at least one inlet aperture of saidretainer is substantially rectangular in shape.
 9. The resistancebreathing device of claim 1, wherein said at least one inlet aperture ofsaid adjustment slide is substantially rectangular in shape.
 10. Theresistance breathing device of claim 9, wherein said at least one inletaperture of said adjustment slide has rounded corners.
 11. Theresistance breathing device of claim 9, wherein said at least one inletaperture of said face mask is substantially rectangular in shape. 12.The resistance breathing device of claim 11, wherein a size of said atleast one inlet aperture of said adjustment slide is equal to a size ofsaid at least one inlet aperture of said face mask.
 13. The resistancebreathing device of claim 9, wherein said at least one inlet aperture ofsaid face mask is right trapezoidal in shape.
 14. The resistancebreathing device of claim 13, wherein said right trapezoidal shapeincludes rounded corners.
 15. The resistance breathing device of claim13, wherein said at least one inlet aperture of said face mask issmaller than said at least one inlet aperture of said adjustment slide.16. The resistance breathing device of claim 1, wherein said face maskincludes a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite said firstlateral side, a first side bracket extending from said exterior surfaceof said face mask proximate said first lateral side, and a second sidebracket extending from said exterior surface of said face mask proximatesaid second lateral side, said first and second side bracketscooperating to define an allowable range of travel of said adjustmentslide along said linear axis.
 17. The resistance breathing device ofclaim 1, further comprising an air exhaust assembly adapted to preventair from passing therethrough from an external environment to saidinternal area of said face mask, said air exhaust assembly being adaptedto allow air to pass therethrough from said internal area of said facemask to the external environment.
 18. The resistance breathing device ofclaim 17, wherein said air exhaust assembly includes at least one outletaperture positioned offset from said at least one inlet aperture of saidface mask, each of said at least one outlet aperture including a biasingmember extending across said one of said at least one outlet aperture ofsaid insert and a stem extending from a center of said biasing memberand away from said insert, said stem including a first portion adjacentsaid center of said biasing member and a second portion opposite saidfirst portion of said stem, said first portion of said stem having afirst diameter, and said second portion of said stem having a seconddiameter that is larger than said first diameter.
 19. A resistancebreathing device, comprising: a face mask having an interior surface, anexterior surface opposite said interior surface, an aperture extendingthrough said face mask from said exterior surface to said interiorsurface, and a perimeter, wherein said face mask is adapted to overlay auser's mouth and nose such that said perimeter forms an air-tight sealwith the user's face and around the user's mouth and nose and said facemask defines an internal area between said interior surface of said facemask and the user's face; an outer layer overlaying said face mask andhaving a pair of straps with inter-engaging ends for affixing said facemask about the user's face; an insert having an interior surface, anexterior surface opposite said interior surface of said insert, and atleast one inlet aperture extending therethrough, said insert beingpositioned within said aperture of said face mask; an adjustment slideincluding an interior surface, an exterior surface opposite saidinterior surface of said adjustment slide, and at least one inletaperture extending therethrough, said adjustment slide being positionedadjacent to said insert such that said interior surface of saidadjustment slide abuts said exterior surface of said insert, saidadjustment slide being movable linearly along a linear axis with respectto said insert between a first position and a second position, whereinwhen said adjustment slide is in its said first position, a firstportion of said at least one inlet aperture of said adjustment slideoverlays a first portion of said at least one inlet aperture of saidinsert, and wherein when said adjustment slide is in its said secondposition, a second portion of said at least one inlet aperture of saidadjustment slide overlays a second portion of said at least one inletaperture of said insert, said second portion of said at least one inletaperture of said adjustment slide being larger in size than said firstportion of said at least one inlet aperture of said adjustment slide;and an adjustment wheel attached movably to said insert such that saidadjustment wheel is movable rotatably with respect to said insertbetween a first position and a second position, said first position ofsaid adjustment wheel corresponding to said first position of saidadjustment slide, said second position of said adjustment wheelcorresponding to said second position of said adjustment slide, wherebywhen said adjustment wheel is moved between its said first position andits said second position, said adjustment slide is moved between itssaid first position and its said second position.
 20. A resistancebreathing device, comprising: a face mask having an interior surface, anexterior surface opposite said interior surface, and at least oneaperture extending through said face mask from said exterior surface tosaid interior surface; an adjustment slide including at least one inletaperture extending therethrough, said adjustment slide being movablypositioned adjacent to said face mask, said adjustment slide beingmovable linearly along a linear axis with respect to said face maskbetween a first position and a second position, wherein when saidadjustment slide is in its said first position, a first portion of saidat least one inlet aperture of said adjustment slide overlays a firstportion of said at least one aperture of said face mask, and whereinwhen said adjustment slide is in its said second position, a secondportion of said at least one inlet aperture of said adjustment slideoverlays a second portion of said at least one aperture of said facemask, said second portion of said at least one inlet aperture of saidadjustment slide being larger in size than said first portion of said atleast one inlet aperture of said adjustment slide; and an adjustmentwheel attached movably to said face mask such that said adjustment wheelis movable rotatably between a first position and a second position,said first position of said adjustment wheel corresponding to said firstposition of said adjustment slide, said second position of saidadjustment wheel corresponding to said second position of saidadjustment slide, whereby when said adjustment wheel is moved betweenits said first position and its said second position, said adjustmentslide is moved between its said first position and its said secondposition.